CO2 Laser Resurfacing
The Jeisys Edge One CO2 laser is a device designed to address deep wrinkles, photoaging, severe scar damage, and other hard-to-treat skin conditions. The technology integrates a carbon dioxide laser with Micro Ablative scanning technology to target the epidermal and dermal layer to treat dyschromia, deep wrinkles, and significant photoaging.
Although ablative, it does not burn the entire skin surface and instead works in micro-channels, leaving micro areas of untreated skin between them, which allows for less peeling, less downtime, and speeds up healing.
Benefits include:
- Reduction in wrinkles, folds, and fine lines
- Reduction in discoloration caused by UV exposure
- Reduction or removal of actinic keratoses
- Improvement in overall skin texture
- Significant reduction in scarring
- Reduction of enlarged
- Skin tightening caused by collagen stimulation
Schedule your consultation with Zen Dermatology in Sacramento, CA, to see if CO2 Laser Resurfacing treatments are right for you! At Zen Dermatology, our mission is to help people feel their best with the most effective treatments available. Let’s work together!
Preparing For Your Treatment
What is Ablative Laser Resurfacing?
Ablative laser skin resurfacing is one of the most effective cosmetic procedures for improving aging skin. The laser works by delivering an intense wavelength of light to the skin, removing the outer layers of aged or sun damaged skin. This treatment also stimulates the underlying skin, resulting in collagen formation and an improvement in wrinkles. As the healing process takes place, new skin forms that is smoother and tighter.
Pre-Treatment
It is important to follow all instructions as directed by your provider. You will need to get the following supplies for post-treatment:
- Moisturizing occlusive ointment: Aquaphor is preferred, but Vaseline will work too
- Gentle skin cleanser. We recommend ZO Gentle Cleanser
- Ice/cold packs
- A broad-spectrum (UVA/UVB) sunblock SPF 50 or greater for post-treatment
Inform your provider if you have a history of cold sores. Antiviral therapy may be desired.
- For the one month prior to treatment, avoid sun exposure, as well as tanning beds and tanning creams.
- Use a broad-spectrum (UVA/UVB) sunblock SPF 50 or greater when the treatment area is exposed to the sun. If you are tanned, you will not be treated.
- On the day of treatment it is important that you clean the area to be treated.
- If your face and neck are being treated, you should be clean-shaven before the procedure
- If your face or neck is being treated, wear a button-down shirt.
- If you wear contacts, do not wear them on treatment day; bring your eyeglasses instead.
If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to call us at (916) 936-1231.
Post-Treatment
It is important to follow your provider’s instructions after treatment.
During the first 24 hours post-treatment:
- Use ice/cold packs every two hours for 20 minutes maximum for swelling and discomfort.
- Cover treated areas with a moisturizing ointment every two hours.
- Keep your head elevated by using two or more pillows when lying down.
After the first 24 hours, follow these instructions as directed by your provider.
- You can continue to use ice/cold packs (20 minutes on; then 20 minutes off) as needed for swelling and discomfort.
- If applicable, continue taking all medications as directed by your physician. If necessary, you may take acetaminophen for pain relief.
- Your skin may feel sensitive and may appear red, pixilated, pigmented and/or swollen depending on the treatment. The treated area may itch.
- Continue to keep treated areas covered with a moisturizing ointment every 3-4 hours. This will decrease the healing time and minimize discomfort such as itching.
- Begin gently cleaning the skin twice a day with a gentle cleanser. Do not scrub the treated area. Re-apply occlusive ointment after each wash.
- Avoid sun exposure for a few weeks. Use a broad-spectrum (UVA/UVB) sunblock SPF 50 or greater when the treatment area is exposed to the sun. If possible, cover the treated area with clothing or use a brimmed hat to reduce sun exposure.
- Keep all follow up appointments, so your provider can assess how the treatment is progressing.
- After 24 hours, normal activities may resume per level of comfort. However, no swimming or using hot tubs/whirlpools while redness is present, usually for at least 5-7 days.
- Once you feel comfortable and healed, a normal routine can be resumed.
If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to call us at (916) 936-1231.
FAQs
CO2 laser resurfacing is one of the first laser skin resurfacing services and utilizes one of the most powerful lasers. These ablative laser treatments work to remove scarring, wrinkles, and other deeper skin flaws.
The Edge One CO2 offers optimal delivery of thermal energy to the epidermis and upper dermis with a pattern of laser light causing minute perforations in the epidermis while leaving the surrounding skin intact. The result is quicker healing and less patient discomfort as the patient’s own collagen works synergistically with the procedure to rebuild collagen which effectively tightens loose skin and large pores, resulting in a more youthful appearance.
An Ablative Laser Treatment is a wounding laser that removes the thin outer layer of skin (epidermis) and heats the underlying skin (dermis), which stimulates the growth of new collagen fibers. As the epidermis heals and regrows, the treated area appears smoother and
tighter.
The procedure feels like warm pinpricks on the skin, and your face will feel very warm. The procedure is typically well-tolerated.
Patients should expect to be in the office for about 1 hour for the treatment. While the actual treatment itself only lasts for about 20 minutes, between checking in, going over treatment consents, and icing your skin post-treatment, patients will be in the office for about 1 hour.
Laser skin resurfacing can be combined with other cosmetic procedures to help reach your skin rejuvenation goals. Treatment with topical retinoids is recommended to maintain your laser skin resurfacing treatment results. Also, Botox and dermal filler treatments can be incorporated to address wrinkles and volume loss to the face.
Your provider will determine the most appropriate laser for your skin resurfacing needs. Depending on your skin type and the areas to be treated, like the face or the neck, we will choose the laser best suited to your skin.
We generally advise waiting a month in between treatments for laser treatments such as fractional resurfacing. For every different laser procedure, there are different recommended times between treatments. Ultimately, this will be determined in consultation with your provider.
Schedule Your Consultation Today.